Santa Semana- Easter

I mentioned in my last blog about Semana Santa, this is a religious festival and one of Spain’s most traditional festivals.In the UK, for most people, Easter is about giving and eating chocolate eggs. However, in Spain, religious traditions are still prominent. Especially in the case of Semana Santa, which means Holy Week.

The celebration is a week long and takes place all over Spain during Easter. Thousands of people take part in the processions and even more line the streets to watch. Huge floats carrying religious statures are brought to the churches. there are often marching bands following.  Although its a sombre occasion to pay homage to the last days of Jesus, its also colourful and captivating.

Each float depicts a scene from the Easter story and are carried by Costaleros. They are followed by Nazarenos who carry candles, torches or wooden crosses. They are dressed in full-length robes and conical hoods which cover their faces, some will be bare-footed. Its quite haunting and a bit sinister.This Spanish tradition originates from medieval times, when hoods and robes would be worn by people to show their repentance over past sins. At the back of the procession are women in mourning dressed in black lace veils called mantillas, often quite mature ladies.

All ages take part from young children to their grandparents, in villages everyone in the family takes part. I was amazed that even teenagers dress up! I have seen several processions both in small villages and Palma which is a major city. Both of these were wonderful an a sight to behold. The only word of warning is that the festivities continue for hours and its unbelievable busy, so dress comfortably and take something to eat and drink as the cafes are packed. But I would not have missed it for all the world.